MARK Robertson went into hospital for a hernia operation today, counting him out of Burnley boss Stan Ternent's plans for up to six weeks.

The Australian midfielder had been hoping to delay surgery until the end of the season and Ternent could do with the player's services with several players ruled out of Saturday's trip to Wigan.

But both club and player have had to bow to the inevitable sooner than they had hoped.

"He tried to hang on but it has to be done. We also have to think about the player's welfare," said the manager.

"It's only a single hernia but he is still going to be out for some time."

Robertson had been hoping to battle through until the end of the season but, after being put through a rigorous test, it was decided the operation could not be put off any longer.

Meanwhile, central defender Brian Reid is planning to make his excursion south of the border a permanent one by agreeing a new contract at Turf Moor.

The Scot fulfilled an ambition by breaking into English football with Burnley after establishing his career with Greenock Morton and Rangers. He was signed as a free agent by Ternent last September and, having done enough to earn a longer-term deal, has been offered fresh terms to succeed his current deal which runs out this summer.

And although it's early days in negotiations, Reid is hoping to stay on with the Clarets.

"I have just come out of initially speaking to the manager but I have said I would like to stay, although we haven't gone into terms or anything," he confirmed.

Like the rest of the Burnley side this season, Reid has had his off-days. But, overall, the left-sided defender has proved to be a successful acquisition.

"I am quite pleased with the way things have gone. I feel I haven't done badly over the season, although obviously Saturday wasn't right," he said.

"I was disappointed with that and in the last few weeks we haven't been playing as well as we should have been.

"But hopefully that will prove to be a hiccup and we can pick up a few wins to get up the table."

It goes without saying that Reid is not looking to start life under a new contract in the Third Division. And Reid is desperate to make amends for Saturday's 5-0 defeat at Gillingham with a better showing this weekend against Wigan - the first of three big games against teams with promotion aspirations.

Reid added: "Obviously we are looking to get as high up the League as we can to make sure we survive and then next season look to be challenging.

"Personally I don't think the Wigan game can come quickly enough. If you have a bad game like that you can't wait for the next game to put it right.

"I am looking forward to it, hopefully getting a result and the three points.

"You should enjoy playing in these kind of games but you have got to do well against the other sides as well."

Reid will again be paired at the back with Steve Davis, who returns to the Clarets line-up at Springfield Park after a one-match ban.

Chris Brass will join Lenny Johnrose and Ally Pickering on the sidelines for the game at Wigan after confirmation that a fifth booking of the season at Wycombe a week past Saturday has cost him a one-match ban.

And Glen Little and Ronnie Jepson, if he gets the nod to replace Andy Cooke, will have to face the Latics with only 45 minutes' action under their belts after the Clarets reserve game against Manchester City last night was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Meanwhile, Burnley could face West Ham striker Stan Lazaridis next Tuesday night if Manchester City complete a loan deal for the player.

Supporters are reminded that Saturday's away game at Wigan is a strictly all-ticket affair.

Tuesday's 'derby' clash with Manchester City is also all-ticket but none will be available on the day of the game.

Tickets are still on sale from Turf Moor for both games until 5pm tonight, 7pm Friday and 1pm Saturday.

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